Textbook Chart Analysis

Textbook Chart Analysis 

 

 

Lesesne, T.S. (2003).  Making the match: The right book for the right reader at the right time. Portland, ME: Stenhouse.

The Martian

Weir, A. (2014). The Martian. NY: Broadway Books.

Mark Watney becomes a Martian when a freak accident during a mission causes him to be stranded on Mars. His team believes he is dead.  He has to learn to survive and make his supplies last for as long as possible in the hopes of being rescued.  During a routine check of satellite images of Mars, NASA discovers that Mark has survived. Now the race begins to keep Mark alive and the plans for a rescue begin.  Mark’s team turns around and heads back to Mars to get him.  Mark must travel a great distance to meet them at a different landing spot.  He encounters many setbacks along the way, but finally makes it.  His team eventually manages to rescue him just in time.  I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t stop telling my family and friends about it while I was reading it.  I loved the wit, sarcasm, and positive attitude of the main character.  He has the strength of character that I think many of us wish and hope we also possessed. This book is a great example of a science fiction novel.  It was filled with “real science” to make the scenarios so believable.  This sci-fi novel could truly apply to the real world.
This book could be used with grades 11-12.
 To see a great Quizlet for this book, click HERE!

Check out these great trailers for the movie based on this book!

Brewster

Slouka, M. (2013). Brewster. NY: W.W. Norton and Company.

Jon is growing up in a small rundown town called Brewster. It’s 1968 and the world he knows is going through many changes. When Jon’s little brother dies, his mom becomes distant and blames Jon.  Jon unexpectedly makes friends with Ray, a boy who has his own family problems.  Ray’s dad is an abusive alcoholic.  To cover up the abuse, Ray starts fights with others. Jon doesn’t really know that Ray’s dad is abusing him, he believes the stories that Ray is boxing at a club for money. When Ray finally tells the truth, Jon tells him he needs to get out.  Ray begins making plans to secretly leave with his girlfriend.  Ray's dad finds out and uses Ray’s little brother Gene against him to get him to stay.  On the day that changed everything, Jon walks in on Ray’s dad beating him so badly that he almost dies.  Jon tries to protect Ray and ends up hitting Ray’s dad with a metal club and killing him.  The police don’t believe that it was Jon that did it, they think the constant troublemaker, Ray is the one who killed his father.  Ray’s punishment is to enter the Army and be sent to the war in Vietnam.  Jon later finds out that Ray was killed in action.  Jon’s parents adopt Ray’s little brother and raise him as their own. This book was beautifully written and so emotional.  The ending was sad, but satisfying. As I was reading, I was thinking of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development.  The main character, Jon, is in the conventional stage as he tries to do the right thing and tell others that he was the one that killed Ray’s dad. He wants to follow rules and laws and be honest about his involvement.

This book could be used with grades 9-12.

Check out this short book trailer I made for this book!
 

Freakboy

Clark, K. (2013). Freakboy. NY: Ferrar Straus Giroux.

 

Brendan is a high school athlete, good student, boyfriend, and loving big brother. In his senior year he is finding out that he is different.  He loves his girlfriend Vanessa, but sometimes wonders if he actually wants to be her…to be a girl.  He feels that inside he is a girl, but doesn’t want to admit that.  He tries to live the lie, but it is catching up to him.  When he meets a stranger on the bus in front of a teen

center that helps kids that are struggling with their identity, things begin to slowly change.  The stranger, Angel gives Brendan her number and offers help.  He later works up the courage to begin talking to her and finds out that she is transsexual, and he may be too.  When his best friend walks in on him wearing a woman’s bra, Brendan’s nightmare really begins.  His friend tells everyone on the wrestling team and Brendan’s secret is out.  He quits the team, distances himself from his girlfriend, and considers suicide. Angel eventually helps him understand his feelings and Brendan tells his girlfriend the truth and he asks his mom to see a therapist.  This book was written in verse that was amazing to read.  I chose this book because of the title and the book cover.  It is so amazing! Kids really do judge a book by its cover, this book would circulate because the title and cover art is so intriguing.

This book could be used with grades 11-12.

Here's a great book trailer for this book!
 

Doll Bones

Black, H. (2013). Doll bones. NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Zach, Polly, and Alice have been friends for many years. They enjoy playing imaginary games that involve pirates and many adventures. When Polly discovers that an old porcelain doll may be inhabited by a ghost, the adventures become very real.  The three friends set out on a journey to return the doll to the grave where the ghost belongs.  They must travel to a small town in Ohio to return the doll.  They begin by bus, but when a strange man hassles them, they must leave the bus and take off on foot and then end up on boat.  When they finally reach the right town they are dirty, exhausted, and angry with each other. They eventually find the grave for the doll and have a funeral for her before their adventure ends. This book was very eerie and mysterious.  I loved the mystery and often wondered if the book was going to end up being a ghostly mystery or just a hoax put on by Polly. The theme of this book was showing how the friends are growing and changing.  They face the possibility that they may grow apart from each other. As Havinghurst describes, adolescents need to learn how to get along with peers.  This includes the changes in how relationships and friendships are made during adolescence. Friendships become based on shared interests, not just proximity of where our friends live.
This book could be used with grades 5-8.
 To download a curriculum guide for this book, click HERE!

Glory O'Brien's History of the Future

King, A.S. (2014). Glory O'Brien's history of the future. NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Glory is preparing for her high school graduation. She is preparing in a different way than all the other soon-to-be graduates.  Glory’s mother killed herself when she was only four. She wonders if she is different like her mother and if she will kill herself too very soon. Everything changes when her and her friend Ellie find a dead bat and put it in a jar.  Later, when the bat is dust, they add beer to the jar and drink it.  After drinking the bat, they can both see transmissions from other people when they look at them. They can see everyone’s infinite past and future.  When Glory begins to see her own amazing future, she realizes that she does continue to live for a very long time.  She’s not like her mother and she will do great things in the future. This book was sad, funny, quirky, and I loved it. While reading this book, I thought of Havinghurst’s developmental tasks.  Specifically this book made me think of how adolescents undergo changing relationships with parents.  In this story, Glory begins to understand herself and her family and creates a new relationship with her father that makes him come out of his 13 year depression. Then, her father becomes a father again and takes charge of his life and helps Glory get on with hers.

This book could be used with grades 9-12.

To download an educator's guide for this book, click HERE!

Liar and Spy

Stead, R. (2012). Liar and spy. NY: Random House.

When Georges’ dad is laid off, his family is forced to sell their family home and move into an apartment. While him mom is busy working extra shifts at the hospital, Georges and his dad are on their own.  Georges quickly finds a friend in Safer, a quirky young boy in his apartment building. They start a spy club together that becomes very real for Georges. When things come to a head, Georges realizes that it was all a game and feels angry with Safer for playing this game with him without his knowledge.  Georges is also a target at school for the bullies. In the end, Georges learns to conquer his fears and deal with the difficulties in his life and he helps his friend Safer do the same. As I was reading, I was thinking about Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. The main character in this book could certainly explain the conventional stage. He is very concerned with obeying laws and displays a strong moral code.
This book could be used with grades 5-7
To download a great study guide for this book, click HERE!

Code Name Verity

 

Wein, E. (2012). Code name Verity. NY: Hyperion.

When Julie, or code name “Verity” is caught in France by the Gestapo, she must try to do anything to stay alive, even if it means revealing secrets. She is a spy and must give up all her secrets by writing them down.  She begins to weave a tale the seems to be true, but she is really changing the story so almost nothing is true and making up codes to throw them off.  She also manages to leave code for any of her supporters who may read the papers. All of this is not revealed until the very end when we hear the other side of the story from Verity’s best friend, Maddie, or code name “Kittyhawk”. Maddie last saw Julie right before she jumped from their plane that was about to crash.  They each believe the other is dead, until messages and events start to fall into place.  While trying to rescue Julie, Maddie ends up shooting her to save her from anymore torture.  Julie gives her the signal and Maddie does what her best friend asks.  When I read this part I was thinking, NOOOO!  I was so hoping for a happy ending.  This was a great story with a lot of intrigue.  A historical novel has to create a time and place and transport readers there.  This book certainly did this.  I imagine the author had to do a large amount of research to create such an amazing setting and plot with the different languages, scenes, and historical events that took place during World War II.
This book could be used with grades 11-12.
To download a great study guide for this book, click HERE!

The Iron Trial

Black, H., Clare, Cassandra. (2014). Iron trial. NY: Scholastic.

Callum Hunt has always been told by his father that magic is dangerous. He has been taught to stay away from it and not be a part of the Iron Trial.  He was taught to fail the Iron Trial so he won’t get into the Magisterium, a school for mages. But at the Iron Trial things don’t go as planned and Callum is chosen to go to the Magisterium for training. While there, he learns how to control his magic along with his other new friends. He also learns that he hasn’t been told the whole truth about who he really is.  As the story unfolds, we learn that Callum is really the Enemy of Death that has inhabited his body.  The other enemies have been waiting for him to come and help them start a war against the other mages. Callum is trying to be true to his father, his friends, and the mages.  Now that he knows who he is, he has to decide what to do about it.  This story ended with a big cliffhanger!  I already have my copy of book 2 on the way!  According to Norton, an important ingredient for good fantasy for young adults is that the theme be a universal one. It needs to apply in the real world. The Iron Trial’s main character is one who is weak and damaged with many questions and must struggle through life trying to keep up with his peers.  This is definitely a universal theme for young adults today.
This book could be used with grades 5-8.

To download a study guide for this book, click HERE!

Unbroken

Hillenbrand, L. (2014). Unbroken. NY: Random House.

Unbroken is the biographical account of the life Louis Zamperini. It tells the tale of Louis growing up in California as a poor Italian immigrant that turns into a delinquent that is frequently in trouble.  When his brother takes him under his wing and shows him how to be a competitive runner, Louis soon finds himself heading to the Berlin Olympics.  But when World War II begins, Louis becomes an airman.  His bomber crashes in the ocean and Louis, his best friend, and another airman are the only survivors. Louis and his best friend survive the perils of the ocean, only to be picked up by the Japanese soldiers and sent to a prison camp.  This book details the brutality of a prisoner of war.  It describes Louis’ strength and determination. Louis was eventually released at the end of the war and began the long road to overcoming what he went through.  This was a book that I couldn’t put down.  At every turn of the page I was amazed at the strength and positive attitude of Louis Zamperini. He is someone that we can all learn something from. This is a great example of a biography. Norton states, “Good biography and autobiography should first and foremost use many of the techniques of fiction to draw the reader into the life story of the subject.”  This book is a prime example of that.  It was extremely engaging.  Students will be amazed by the strength and character of Louis Zamperini.

This book could be used with grades 9-12.

To download a study guide for this book, click HERE!

And We Stay

Hubbard, J. (2014). And we stay. NY: Delcorte Press.

Emily is a young, average high school girl. She goes to school. She has a boyfriend.  Life is normal. Then she finds out she’s pregnant.  She tells her boyfriend and her parents so they can help her decide what’s best.  Her parents push her to have an abortion.  When she tells her boyfriend Paul of her plans, he doesn’t accept things the way Emily has accepted her new life.  Emily feels she must break up with Paul because things will be too hard.  After breaking up with him, he is so distraught that he comes to school with a gun and threatens Emily. After a confrontation with a teacher, he ends up shooting himself.  After her abortion and the traumatic events at school, Emily is sent to a boarding school.  With the help of her new roommate, and a kind teacher, Emily eventually learns to heal.  This book was written in a very unique way with flashbacks and bits and pieces of information given at a time.  It kept me reading so I could figure out the full details of the traumatic events in Emily’s life. This book could be considered contemporary realistic fiction.  The plot, characters, and setting are very possible and in fact could have been “ripped from the headlines” of today’s paper. 
This book could be used with grades 9-12.

Check out this great book trailer!

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes

Crutcher, C. (1993). Staying fat for Sarah Byrnes. NY: Greenwillow Books.

Eric Calhoune is a young man that is overweight and bullied and made fun of at school.  His best friend has a more serious problem though.  Sarah Byrnes was burned in a mysterious accident when she was three years old.  She has had to develop a very serious and cold demeanor to deal with life. As the two unlikely friends go through middle school and high school, they stick together.  When Eric joins the swim team and begins to drop the weight, he is worried that Sarah Byrnes will not need him as a friend anymore. He tries to overeat to stay fat for his friend. In their senior year of high school, things start to change.  Sarah Byrnes suddenly stops talking and is put in the hospital in a coma-like state.  As Eric sticks by her side and tries to talk to her to keep things normal, he soon realizes that Sarah Byrnes is really faking her state to stay away from her dad who is actually the one who burned her in the first place.  Eric tries to come up with a plan to save Sarah Byrnes from her father and keep her as a friend.  In the end, Eric protects Sarah Byrnes and with the help of a beloved teacher, his family, and friends, they get Sarah away from her father and into a safe home.  This book was funny and dark. I loved the wit and sarcasm of the characters.  It had more suspense and excitement than I was expecting. I thought this book was a great example of an author creating memorable characters.  Sarah Byrnes had an amazing presence and attitude that really showcased her strength as a person. The author also created an authority figure (a teacher), that was a positive influence on the other characters. This is something that young adults should be able to easily identify with.
This book could be used with grades 9-12.

To see a great discussion guide and lesson ideas, click HERE!

The Surprise Attack of Jabba the Puppett: An Origami Yoda Book

Angleberger, T. (2013). The surprise attack of Jabba the puppet: an origami Yoda book. NY: Amulet Books.


With this installment from the Origami Yoda series, Dwight, Tommy and Sara are on a mission against a new enemy. They are taking on the Fun Time Education System. This system wants to raise standardized test scores. The gang does not enjoy the new videos or mascots, and drama, art, and band have been cancelled. The group turns to Origami Yoda for help. He tells them that they must come up with their own group and a plan to defeat their enemy.  The students all come together with their own origami puppets to help battle. Dwight and the gang eventually find out that the school board dumped Fun Time Education System on them to comply with state regulations and then again to comply with the regulations from Washington, DC.  The fight is big and must go on. As an educator, I could really identify with this book.  It was silly, but spot on when I think about all the new regulations that educators and students struggle with today.  I imagine this book could lead a student to that unconscious delight stage. The real world slips away, and the student gets lost in the silliness of this book. The graphics are fun, and the origami directions at the end are an added bonus.
This book could be used with grades 4-6.
To see folding instructions for Origami Yoda and Darth Paper, click HERE!

Stick

Smith, A. (2011). Stick. NY: Feiwel and Friends.

Stick (Stark McClellan) is a young boy that was born with only one ear.  All his life he has been bullied and made fun of by kids at school, and his own parents.  Stick's parents are very strict with him and his older brother Bosten. When the rules aren’t strictly followed, the boys are beaten and locked in a room for days. After Bosten beats up a boy that is bullying Stick, things start to change.  Stick discovers that his brother is gay and in love with his best friend.  Stick also discovers that he is really in love with his best friend Emily too. When the truth comes out about Bosten’s relationship, his dad beats him and he runs away. Stick then begins the journey to find Bosten and save him if he can. With the help of his older brother, Bosten and his best friend Emily, Stick learns to step up and defend himself and be the person he really wants to be.  I could not put this book down.  It was heartbreaking and beautiful. Ted Hipple has noted some great criteria for finding good young adult books. One item on the list that applies to this book is that it reflects real life and has artistry in detail. This book was uniquely written to show the way a young boy with one ear would hear and speak.  Sadly, this book truly could reflect real life.

This book could be used with grades 9-12. You should definitely preview this book first, due to some graphic content.

Check out this great book trailer!

Paper Towns

Green, J. (2008). Paper towns. NY: Dutton Books.

Quentin has a next door neighbor named Margo that he has known his whole life and has had a secret crush on for as long as he can remember. One night Margo appears at his window and they begin her strange journey of driving around all night righting wrongs that have been done to her. Through this journey, Quentin can really see the depth of Margo’s depression and the fact that this very popular and outgoing girl is struggling with life. After their memorable night, Quentin wakes up one day to find that Margo has disappeared.  He begins looking for and finding secret clues and messages left by Margo that will eventually lead to her location.  With the help of his friends, Quentin searches and finally finds Margo.  The ending that Quentin was hoping and dreaming for is very different than the reality of what is to happen.  Margo didn’t intend for him to find her, she doesn’t want to be with him or go back to her family.  She just wants to be alone to find herself and understand her feelings.  The story is serious and deep, but humorous at the same time. I really enjoyed this book, as I have all of John Green's books. The plot and the characters were both very unique and I got caught up in the mystery of finding Margo. I think this book showcases the young adult life and points out to kids that what is on the surface is not always the same as what is inside.  This may be a real life timeless struggle for most teens.
This book can be used with grades 9-12.
To download a great discussion guide for this book, click HERE!

Annie on My Mind

  Garden, N. (1982).  Annie on my mind.  NY:  FSG

Liza and Annie come from two different backgrounds but become close friends. They share a very close friendship that eventually turns into love. When Liza is suspended from school, the girls become closer and this time together leads to their first kiss. When two of Liza’s teachers go on vacation during spring break, Liza volunteers to take care of their home and feed their cats.  During this time Liza and Annie stay together and are discovered there by a school administrator. Liza is forced to tell her family about her relationship. The book is narrated by Liza as she is beginning to write a letter to Annie. As I was reading, I just kept thinking that this book was published in 1982! I can only imagine the controversy over this book.  It was a great read.

As Havinghurst's tasks state, adolescents must define their appropriate sex roles. Dealing with these roles with the pressures of society is an important topic that this book relates to.

This book could be used with grades 9-12.

To see a study guide for this book, click HERE.

The Knife of Never Letting Go

   Ness, P.  (2008).  The knife of never letting go.  Boston, MA:  Candlewick Press.

This dystopian thriller is about a young boy named Todd that grows up in a world with noise.  Because of the noise germ on New World, men’s thoughts can be heard by everyone else at all times. As Todd comes closer to his thirteenth birthday, the time when he will be a man, his world begins to change.  He is forced to leave the home he knows and is on the run for his safety. Along the way he meets a young girl that crashed on the New World planet. Together they race away from the army that is searching for them.  Todd learns that the life he has known is full of lies and he must figure out the truth. This is a fast-paced thriller that I couldn’t put down. This book was so different and unique.  I couldn’t wait for Todd to have Viola or someone, read his mother’s journal to him! This book is a great example of having a unique plot as well as an original setting.  The author had to describe the New World as well as the language and society.
This book could be used with grades 9-12.

To see a great discussion guide for this book, click HERE!

It's Perfectly Normal

Harris, R.  (2009). It’s perfectly normal.  Boston, MA:  Candlewick Press

 

This is a book all about sexuality that was created for kids, parents, and teachers.  It covers every kind of question from conception, to puberty to sexually transmitted diseases.  It also discusses gender identity. The book is written in a way that is less like a text book and more like a graphic novel that will interest teens.  It has illustrations, speech bubbles and labels to show all the important stuff that teens may have questions about.  It really covers everything that teens need to know. When I was reading this book, I was thinking that I wish I had this when I was a teen. There's so much information in this book that every teen needs to know about. Havinghurst's theory of developmental tasks says that adolescents have to adapt to their physical bodies.  This is a book that may help teens to know what to expect and make adapting a bit easier.

This book is for ages 10 and up.

 

 

Brown Girl Dreaming

    Woodson, J. (2014). Brown Girl Dreaming.  NY: Nancy Paulsen Books

 

An autobiography written in verse that details a young black girl’s life and what it was like to grow up in the 60’s. Dealing with the changes in the country as well as the tragic changes going on in her family. She moves to the south to live with her grandparents after her parents divorce, then eventually ends up in New York with her mother.  During this time, she deals with the death of her aunt and her grandpa, who she was very close to.  She also learns that her fun-loving uncle is arrested and sent to prison, where she goes to visit him and sees a very sad and changed man. The unique way this book was written, made it easy to read.  I enjoyed the lyrical format. I would say this book has a very unique style. The sentence patterns and figurative language, make this book a very emotional and moving experience.

I think this book could be used with Grades 5-8.

 

To find some book club ideas and lessons to use with this book, click HERE!

 

 

George

Gino, A. (2015).  George.  NY: Scholastic.

George was born a boy, but really identifies as a girl and knows deep down that she is a girl. George is living a secret life, but things begin to change when the teacher announces that they will perform the play Charlotte’s Web.  All George wants to do is play the part of Charlotte.  George tries out for the part but is told that she can’t be Charlotte because Charlotte is a girl. With the help of her best friend, George sneaks in to the performance to play the part of Charlotte.  George’s best friend Kelly is supportive and loyal, even after she learns the truth about George.  Kelly even helps George dress up as a girl for the first time and go out to the zoo with her uncle. The story ends with George being happier than she has ever been, and dreaming about all the possibilities waiting for her in the future. I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but it was enjoyable and really made me think about my students and the struggles that they may be going through that I don't really know about or understand.  It reminded me that I really need to be open and ready to listen. Havinghurst's theory of developmental tasks states that adolescents must define their appropriate sex roles and sometimes these roles are dictated by society, which is evident in this book. Sometimes teens don't fit into the defined boxes that society creates for them.

This book could be used with grades 6-8.

 

This book is so new that teaching units and book talk information is not out there yet. There is a BIG conversation that could happen with this book!



Persepolis

   Sartrapi, M. (2004).  Persepolis.  NY: Pantheon.

Persepolis is a serious and historical graphic novel. It details the history of Iran through the eyes of a young girl named Marji.  She describes the tragic events that eventually lead to war in her country.  She is constantly surrounded by the reality of her family and friends being imprisoned, tortured, and executed for believing things that are not approved by the rulers of the country.  The story ends with Marji’s parents sending her to a school in Austria to keep her safe and allow her to get a good education.  She fears that she will never see her parents again. You must get the next book, Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return to continue following Marji's story. I am not usually a fan of graphic novels, but I truly couldn't put this one down.  I love history, and this was an interesting inside look at the history of Iran through the eyes of someone who actually grew up there. It made me want to continue with the next book and continue to do my own research to learn more from others as well. This book is an autobiographical account of Ms. Sartrapi's life growing up in Iran, which provides us an interesting reading experience.  Reading about people can open students' eyes to other cultures, races, and ethnicities.  I think this book does just that.
This book could be used with grades 8-12. It does contain some graphic language and a couple graphic images.

To download a book talk guide for this book, click HERE!

Gabi: A Girl in Pieces

Quintero, I.  (2014).  Gabi: A girl in pieces.  TX:  Cinco Puntos.

 

 

Gabi journals her senior year in high school in a very hilariously blunt yet moving way.  She details the dynamics of her family that include a very strict mother, a delinquent younger brother, and father who is a drug addict.  She struggles through her senior year with her two best friends that have their own issues.  One friend is gay and after telling his family, is kicked out of his home. Her other friend finds out she is pregnant and later tells her two friends that she was actually raped by another boy that goes to their school. Gabi struggles with her weight, learning about boys, and dealing with her father’s drug overdose.  She learns to use poetry to cope with her feelings and ends up meeting the perfect boy who supports her through their last year in high school.  I laughed out loud and also had tears in my eyes while reading this book.  I could completely relate to the angst of the teenage years and remember why I'm glad they are over! One thing that really stuck out to me was the cover of this book. How amazing! It is true that kids (and adults) judge a book by its cover.  "The best book in the world will not circulate if the cover appears "dorky" to your kids."  This book will definitely circulate. 
I suggest that this book be used with grades 9-12.  It does contain some mature content, so definitely preview the book before using with students.

To download a great teaching guide for this book, click HERE!